We are now in the last week of Ordinary Time and the daily readings always point to imminent natural disasters. Through the centuries and decades, we have seen many of these signs as described by Jesus.

In the Gospel today, Jesus tells us that when we see these signs, we should know that our liberation is near at hand. Many groups of people have taken this literally and we know that there have been many doomsday cults and personalities but until now, we have not seen the end yet. So does that mean that what Jesus said was figurative?

The words that Jesus used is "near at hand" and not "is here." To be near is an approximate distance and it can be close or far but no one knows when it will happen. The most important thing for us is, as the Gospel Acclamation tells us, to stay awake and stand ready.

When we are at perpetual readiness, we need not worry when it will happen, all we need to be concerned about is to ensure that we are always ready. Constancy in readiness gives us the courage and peace of mind to face the challenges of life.